Is your partner complaining about your snoring? Are you waking up tired, with a sore jaw or frequent headaches—even after a full night’s sleep?

You might be surprised to learn that these symptoms aren’t just medical—they could point to a dental sleep issue. At Rancho Bernardo Family Dental Care, we help patients uncover and treat the hidden oral health causes of sleep problems like sleep apnea and bruxism (teeth grinding).

The Dental Side of Sleep Problems

Many sleep-related conditions are linked to your jaw, airway, and oral habits. Here are two of the most common dental sleep disorders:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Sleep apnea occurs when your airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for short periods. It’s more common than people think—and often goes undiagnosed.

Signs you may have sleep apnea:

Loud, chronic snoring

Gasping or choking sounds during sleep

Daytime fatigue or trouble focusing

Morning headaches

Dry mouth upon waking

Sleep apnea can put serious strain on your heart, blood pressure, and overall health—so it’s important to treat it early.

2. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding and Clenching)

If you wake up with jaw pain, sore facial muscles, or worn-down teeth, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep. This condition, known as bruxism, can contribute to:

Headaches and earaches

Cracked or chipped teeth

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain

Poor sleep quality

Bruxism is often linked to stress or bite alignment issues—but thankfully, it’s very treatable.

How a Dentist Can Help You Sleep Better

You don’t have to suffer through restless nights or jaw discomfort. As dentists, we play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Here's how:

Custom Oral Appliances

For mild to moderate sleep apnea, we can design a custom-fit oral appliance that gently repositions your jaw to keep your airway open throughout the night—no CPAP machine required.

For bruxism, a custom nightguard protects your teeth and jaw by preventing grinding while you sleep.

Jaw & Bite Assessments

We’ll assess your bite and TMJ to identify any issues contributing to your discomfort, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Don’t Let Poor Sleep Wear You Down

If you’ve been brushing off your symptoms or relying on caffeine to get through the day, it’s time to take a closer look at your sleep—and your oral health.

Let us help you breathe easier, sleep better, and wake up pain-free.

Call Rancho Bernardo Family Dental Care today at (858) 385-1838

Schedule a consultation online

Conveniently located in Rancho Bernardo and serving families across San Diego

Your smile—and your sleep—deserve the best care. Let’s find the root of the issue together.